With constant glances from those around him, Garnett walked through the dance hall that was the stage for the evening party, holding Luke's hand.

　Astonishment, envy, contempt, curiosity.
　The gazes that are poured out have different meanings, but none of them are worthy of attention.

　Because a gaze far more valuable than the thousands and thousands of gazes is staring at you from close by.

'--Wait.'

　A voice called out to them as they were about to leave the dance hall.

　The master was none other than Rembrandt Argentia, the one who had sent Garnett to this place.

'Father ......'
How do you do, former Lord Commander?

　Luke stepped forward to protect the wary Garnett.

　That casual response was also more than enough behavior to make Garnett's heart race.

''You must be Luke of the White Wolf Forest. Why are you here. I'm sure you've done some good in the War of the Demons, but you don't have the dignity to be invited to the Count's nightclub.
''Yes, I do. I don't think I'm not up to snuff right now, if only after accepting the knighthood story. So this time(tit) is .......

　Luke took out a letter from his dress pocket and showed Rembrandt the coat of arms on its face.

I have been granted a letter of introduction by Sir Theodore, heir of the House of Beaufort, Count of the Frontier," he said. I have enjoyed a long and honorable acquaintance with that gentleman.

　A slight hint of surprise comes over Rembrandt's stern face.

　In the fifth class of nobility, the frontier earl is one level higher than the earl.
　Moreover, the Beaufort family is one of the few real ones, a special existence that has become rare in the present day, playing the original role of the frontier earl of guarding the border with other countries.

　If you are introduced by an aristocrat who is clearly superior in rank, Scarlett's husband, the Earl, cannot be disparaged.

　Or rather, Theodore (that guy) was his heir son - Garnett was astonished by that fact and the unfathomable depth of Luke's connections, even after all this time.

'If you're ......, I can't question the merits of your being here. But are you aware of it?　What your actions mean: ......
'Of course I'm aware of it. I'm serious.

　The intimidating feeling that Rembrandt emits becomes even sharper.

　It's even close to killing intent, and Luke doesn't even look away from it, catching it from the front.

　Garnett couldn't take his eyes off that sincere profile and unknowingly put strength into his hand that gripped his arm.

'I will not have a daughter, no matter how rich she is, who has no rank. But it is not for you to be a knight. The Dragon King has made marriage to his family a requirement, and the Golden Fang is an old enemy of ours. And ......
'I'm not going to marry my daughter off to a silver-winged knight: ......
Exactly. The only way for our clan to prosper is to connect with other clans and organizations. It will not be given to those who are already under my command.

　That's why Garnett had never been able to say 'join our Order' before.

　Surely if he did so, he could stay close to them even after the escort mission was over.

　If he was a knight in the first place, he should be able to guide them to join their own place, focusing on the interests of the Order.

　But if you become a silver-winged knight, then you will not be able to have a relationship with them.

　It was only recently that I started thinking about this kind of thing, but perhaps I had unconsciously avoided mentioning it a long time ago because I thought so.

Of course I know that. That's why I came here with the intention of choosing the other option that was given to me by His Majesty.

　Luke held Garnett's slender shoulders as if to reassure her, and stated emphatically.

'What?'
Haven't you talked to the former Lord Commander yet?
No way. I got it a long time ago. But ...... are you serious?
'I said I was serious earlier. The creation of a new Order with me as the first member. I intend to accept this proposal.

　Garnett was speechless with too much surprise.

　The creation of the New Order. If that happens, it will certainly solve all of the problems his father (Rembrandt) listed in one fell swoop.

　There's no need to marry someone, and because it's a new organization, there are no past grudges or hostilities, and if you're the head of a knight's order by any means, your 'rank' is more than enough.

　But is it really possible?
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it happen if you're not sure what you want.

　If you recall, on the day I received the letter from my father, Luke had received four letters at the same time.

　I was too occupied with this evening party to ask about the contents of the letters, but I'm sure one of them contained the king's new proposal.

I'm sure one of the letters was spelled out by the king's new proposal. You are probably the 'right thing' for yourself to do with your response to Garnett. If that's the case, you won't change your mind, no matter how much you protest.
...... and that it's a no-brainer. I don't even feel the need to change my mind.
''But if she breaks off with you and quarrels with the Silver Wing Knights, the fulfillment of her purpose will be endlessly distant. I can't bear such a thing.

　Luke put his strength into his hands around his shoulders and looked down gently at Garnett's face before turning his powerful smile to Rembrandt.

'Then--I'll have to run up myself. To the height(s) that she deserves.

　For the sake of only one woman.
　Only to continue to exist with the woman called himself (Garnett), this man declared that he would aim high.

　The fact that this is the case makes Garnett's heart and body burn with a sweet, searing heat.

　Of course, I feel bad for making him make such an important decision for the sake of someone like me.

　But even more than that, the joy that surged up from the bottom of my heart filled my heart without a crack.

"...... You sound like Your Majesty,

　Rembrandt turned on his heel and walked away without looking back.

'There can be no formal marriage. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. I'm not going to be able to choose a fiancée for this, so do your best to avoid disappointing the king.

　Rembrandt's back disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the evening party.

　It was a terribly far-fetched narrative, but it was clear to all that it was a declaration of acceptance of their relationship.